The effect of phosphate additives on the lubrication of rolling element bearings in a refrigerant environment

Abstract

Chlorine free replacement refrigerants, HFC (hydrofluorocarbons) and HC (hydrocarbons), have shown less lubricating properties. Phosphate based additives were used to improve the lubricity with refrigerant R-134a, demonstrating positive effects. In the present paper, the ability to form lubricating film and wear of two additives, phosphate ester and acid phosphate, was investigated in a bearing test apparatus. The results show that phosphate additive in polyolester oil, in an R-134a environment, increases the lubricating film and reduce wear. Surface topography during the initial run-in changes to a more favorable profile with lower RMS angle and longer wavelengths that promote load-carrying capacity and film build-up.